“You have your something new, and blue. Allow me to prove old and borrowed. This was my great-grandmother’s.” He opens the box and pulls out a silver hair comb with a lace veil attached.
The pearls on the comb match my dress, and I smile at the thought of all the women who have worn it before me. Then I frown, wondering how it turned out for them.
“Every single one was an arranged marriage that found true love. It is what I wish for you today.” I sigh and bend my head so that he can push the comb into my hair.
“Their, perfecto.” He muses at us in the mirror.
KNOCK KNOCK
“Si,” he calls out.
“Sorry to interrupt. It is time.” Val smiles at us before coming in to help with my veil and train.
“Well, shall we?” I look at Alfie and thread my arm through his.
He pats my hand with his as we walk out and get in line following the wedding planner’s signals.
“Not too late. I’ll trip the old man and give you a head start.” I choke on a giggle at Val’s words.
“Valentina,” Alfie says, but I see him hiding a smile.
“You love us. We only need ten minutes or so.” He clicks his tongue at her antics, and I smile for the first time today.
“Ready? I go first, and then you follow ten seconds later.” Val fixes my train and veil.
I nod, and the doors open for her to enter the church.
“You got this.” She says, then the doors close behind her as Alfis and I take our spots.
“I know you will follow your heart and do the right thing. I will love and support you no matter what. Just remember, ourchoices are becoming very limited.” One more pat on my hand is all I get as the doors open and he steps forward, forcing me to follow.
What the fuck was that? Did he just tell me I can say no?
My mind races and as we get closer to that son of a bitch who had me by the neck to more I know what I’m going to do.
Alfie offers my hand to Nico, who takes it and squeezes my fingers so hard I flinch. Alfie doesn’t miss it, and neither do I when he leans into Nico and whispers in his ear.
“She is not yours yet. Hurt her and you will answer to me.” The pressure on my fingers eased, but a mask of malice now replaces the fake smile Nico wore.
He isn’t even pretending to be civil now.
Shit.
The priest starts the service, and Nico is clearly paying attention and following prompts, while I tune out everything, trying to figure out what I’m going to do.
“Genesis?”
My world narrows down, and I see my life flash before my eyes.
Chapter
Four
Saturday evening
“NO.”
The Priest clears his throat and chuckles.
